More than 600 students, friends, and family members enjoyed a day of art and a showcase of talent this past Sunday, when DKJA’s inaugural Family Art Walk took place. A colorful display of over 800 masterpieces from students in grades K-12 captivated visitors who strolled through the exhibit, enjoying refreshments and musical entertainment by DKJA singers and performers. The Art Walk was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Thanks to the hard work of chairpersons Dr. Suzie Khalil and Josie Fixler; their wonderful committee; Associate Head of School Sharon Kamber; Director of Development Kim Strobis; Associate Director of Development Judith Chason; Cindy Gray of our Administration/Development Department; and our fabulous art faculty, Gale Lowy (lower school), Carol Routman (middle school), and Anita Schwartz (high school), the event was a true success. In the difficult times surrounding us, it's so important for us to recognize that we are a strong, vibrant, successful school, and we are here for each other! The success of our Family Art Walk is a testament to this!

For those of you who were unable to attend, please take a moment to watch the photo montage that presents a view of the amazing colorful works of art created by DKJA students. Click here.
 

A Few Other Items of Importance…

It has come to my attention that fewer and fewer children are bringing snacks. Please remind your students that the school will not be providing snacks. Starting Monday, May 11, 2009, anyone who does not bring a snack will not have a snack that day. We thank you for your understanding.

Additionally, regarding the H1N1 influenza and the CDC: Our school nurse and members of the Administration team are monitoring with the CDC and other school organizations updates to keep current on developments. We assure you that your children’s safety is our top priority.

Shabbat Shalom,

Karen Feller

Summer is just around the corner, and the Admissions department is as busy as ever. We have many new families coming to see our school from out of state and from as far away as France and South Africa. We are still processing our re-enrollees and new applicants. Next week I will be in South Africa to interview with families who are immigrating to Boca Raton and sharing information about our amazing school, including our exciting new Viewbooks.

Dear Ms. Arenstein:

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your time and thoughtfulness in sharing with my friend Adam and I the inner workings of Donna Klein Jewish Academy. I must tell you that we were thoroughly impressed with the school, students, faculty, and facilities. I left that morning with a strong belief that your academy stands atop a Jewish cultural and intellectual foundation, a moral and social grounding were ever present, as was evidence of the immersion in worldly and secular studies.  Most significantly, every child appeared happy and engaged in the environment.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

First-graders Learn About Plants
Earlier this week, first-graders experienced an “in house” field trip, thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Greg Jacob from the Sun Quest Nursery. This was the perfect culmination to the plant study unit that first grade students participate in each year. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs explained not only how plants can grow from seeds, but also how they may grow from a process called propagation, or making small cuttings from each plant and dipping them into the soil. Students asked great questions that were received with. We recalled the miraculous relationship between plants and all animals and just how lucky we are to have them on our planet. A heartfelt thank you to the Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs for their time and exciting demonstration. Each first grade class now has a new plant to nurture!

Anti-Defamation League and DKJA Partner In Educational Program

DKJA eighth, tenth, and eleventh graders recently heard a presentation by former skinhead, racist and World Church of the Creator member, Angela King. Her life story demonstrates how hate groups can lead a young person astray into a life of bigotry, anti-Semitism, and violence.  That’s the path Angela King took in 1998 when she and three other skinhead gang members were charged with armed robbery of a Jewish-owned store in Hollywood. Since King’s release from prison, she has committed herself to telling her story about the lure and attraction of extremist organizations targeting young people and the danger they pose to our society.

Community Service Sheets Due
Middle school students' Community Service recording sheets are due May 11, 2009. All students must have them to their advisors. Please be sure to turn them in...
 

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Spanish Honor Society Introduced
The High School at DKJA has formed a chapter of the National Spanish Honor Society. The purpose of this society is to recognize high achievement in Spanish by high school students and to promote their continuity and interest in Latino-Hispanic Studies. The society is classified as a national and international academic honor society and is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. Any high school student who maintains a superior grade in Spanish and whose character, leadership, seriousness of purpose, cooperation, honesty, service, and commitment to others, can be nominated for membership. A formal induction ceremony will be held during the 2009-2010 school year. Congratulations to the new members! Seated: Harry Dardashti, Jeff Lipson, Michael Bank, and Michael Kandel. Back row: Sivan Cohen, Shiri Zweibel, Nancy Ulloa (Spanish Teacher and faculty advisor), and Stacey Berkowitz. Not pictured: Daniel Saslafsky.

Students Learn at Law Day Presentation
At a recent Town Hall Meeting, students had the opportunity to learn about careers in law, and various aspects of search and seizure practices. Attorney Scott A. Weires presented an informative lecture, followed by an engaging question and answer session. Shown here with Mr. Weires are members of the DKJA Mock Trial Team with Mr. Aaron Cohen.